Fly Ash Storage and Distribution System

ABSTRACT

A fly ash storage and distribution system for storing and distributing fly ash in bulk. The fly ash storage and distribution system generally includes a storage tank having an upper opening positioned at its upper end and a hopper positioned at its lower end. A support frame and skid guard assembly are provided for allowing the present invention to stand upright and not be damaged during transport. A valve is preferably positioned within the hopper and a plurality of fluidizers are provided for more efficiently distributing particulate matter such as fly ash through a distribution hose which is connected to an outlet of the hopper. An end cap positioned on the outlet may include additional fluidizers for additional efficiency in fly ash distribution.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code, Section 120of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/343,166 filed Jan. 4, 2012. Thisapplication is a continuation-in-part of the Ser. No. 13/343,166application. The Ser. No. 13/343,166 application is currently pending.The Ser. No. 13/343,166 application is hereby incorporated by referenceinto this application.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable to this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the storage and distributionof particulate matter and more specifically it relates to a fly ashstorage and distribution system for storing and distributing fly ash inbulk.

2. Description of the Related Art

Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should inno way be considered as an admission that such related art is widelyknown or forms part of common general knowledge in the field.

Fly ash, generally comprised of residues generated during combustion, iscommonly used in construction, mining and oil retrieval operations,among other things. In the past, large numbers of bags of fly ash havebeen delivered to sites of such operations for use. The bags of fly ashare individually carried and, because they are manually opened by aknife or other cutting device, can often lead to injury or lost time dueto spill clean-up.

While the use of bags of fly ash works for such operations, it isunnecessarily messy, bulky and difficult to handle. Because of theinherent problems with the related art, there is a need for a new andimproved fly ash storage and distribution system for storing anddistributing fly ash in bulk.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention generally relates to a fly ash storage and distributionsystem which includes a storage tank having an upper opening positionedat its upper end and a hopper positioned at its lower end. A supportframe and skid guard assembly are provided for allowing the presentinvention to stand upright and not be damaged during transport. A valveis preferably positioned within the hopper and a plurality of fluidizersare provided for more efficiently distributing particulate matter suchas fly ash through a distribution hose which is connected to an outletof the hopper. An end cap positioned on the outlet may includeadditional fluidizers for additional efficiency in fly ash distribution.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the features ofthe invention in order that the detailed description thereof may bebetter understood, and in order that the present contribution to the artmay be better appreciated. There are additional features of theinvention that will be described hereinafter and that will form thesubject matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, beforeexplaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is tobe understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction or to the arrangements of the components setforth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Theinvention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced andcarried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that thephraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of thedescription and should not be regarded as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A. Overview.

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencecharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, FIGS. 1through 5 illustrate a fly ash storage and distribution system 10, whichcomprises a storage tank 20 having an upper opening 23 positioned at itsupper end 21 and a hopper 24 positioned at its lower end 22. A supportframe 30 and skid guard assembly 34 are provided for allowing thepresent invention to stand upright and not be damaged during transport.A valve 25 is preferably positioned within the hopper 24 and a pluralityof fluidizers 46 are provided for more efficiently distributingparticulate matter such as fly ash through a distribution hose 56 whichis connected to an outlet 50 of the hopper 24. An end cap 54 positionedon the outlet 50 may include additional fluidizers 46 for additionalefficiency in fly ash distribution.

B. Storage Tank.

As shown in FIG. 1, the present invention will generally include astorage tank 20 for storing large quantities of particulate matter suchas fly ash. The storage tank 20 will generally include an upper end 21and a lower end 22. The upper end 21 of the storage tank 20 willpreferably include an upper opening 23 through which bulk amounts of flyash may be distributed by a carrier vessel such as a tanker truck. Thelower end 22 of the storage tank 20 will preferably include a hopper 24through which the fly ash will be distributed for use.

It is appreciated that the storage tank 20 of the present invention maybe comprised of various shapes, sizes and configurations. Thus, theshape, size and configuration of the storage tank 20 should not beconstrued as being limited by the exemplary figures hereto. Preferably,the storage tank 20 will taper inwardly from its central portion to itsupper end 21 and taper inwardly from its central portion to its lowerend 22 as shown in FIG. 2. Fly ash may be transferred in bulk into thestorage tank 20 through its upper opening 23 and selectively distributedthrough the hopper 24 at its lower end 22.

As best shown in FIG. 5, the hopper 24 of the lower end 22 of thestorage tank 20 will preferably include a valve 25 positioned therein.When the present invention is utilized solely for storage of fly ash,the valve 25 will be closed. When the present invention is utilized todistribute fly ash, the valve 25 may be opened. It is appreciated that awide range of valves 25 may be utilized with the present invention. Thestructure and orientation of the valve 25 should not be construed asbeing limited to the exemplary configuration shown in FIG. 5.

The present invention will also preferably include a valve control 26.The valve control 26 may be comprised of any mechanism which controlsthe opening and shutting of the valve 25. While the figures illustratethe use of a wheel for the valve control 26, it is appreciated that awide range of valve controls 26 may be utilized without affecting theoverall operation of the present invention so long as the valve control26 selectively opens and closes the valve 25. Thus, it is appreciatedthat the valve control 26 may be comprised of electrical, hydraulic,mechanical and other types of valve controls 26 which may efficientlycontrol operation of the valve 25.

As shown in FIG. 5, the present invention may also include a winch 27positioned on the storage tank 20 for controlling operation of aconnector 28 which links the winch 27 with the distribution hose 56 ofthe present invention. Various types of winches 27 may be utilized,including electric, hydraulic, mechanical and the like. The presentinvention should not be construed as being limited to the simple,exemplary hand-crank winch 27 shown in the figures.

In some embodiments, the present invention may include a ladder 29 whichis fixedly or removably secured to the storage tank 20. The ladder 29may be utilized for various purposes, including providing access to thewinch 27, providing access to the upper opening 23 and/or any otherareas which need servicing or maintenance. It is appreciated that thepositioning of the ladder 29 on the present invention may vary fordifferent applications and, in some embodiments, the ladder 29 may beexcluded entirely.

C. Support Frame.

The present invention includes a support frame 30 for allowing thestorage tank 20 to stand upright. As shown in FIG. 1, the support frame30 is preferably secured around the storage tank 20 and is comprised ofa frame having a plurality of legs. An equipment mount 32 may be formedin the support frame 30 for supporting the motor 40 and blower 41 of thepresent invention. It is appreciated that the size, shape andconfiguration of the support frame 30 may vary for differentapplications. Thus, any type of support frame 30 may be utilized so longas the storage tank 20 may freely stand upright when in use.

The support frame 30 may also include cross arms 33 which extend betweenthe hopper 24 and the support legs 31. The cross arms 33 improvestability of the entire invention. The structure, configuration, size,shape, and orientation of the cross arms 33 may vary in differentembodiments. Different numbers of cross arms 33 may be utilized, or theymay be omitted entirely. In a preferred embodiment, at least three crossarms 33 extend between the hopper 24 and the support legs 31 in anX-pattern. In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, thefluidizer assembly 44 may be mounted on one of the cross arms 33.

The present invention will also preferably include a skid guard assembly34 as shown in FIG. 3. The skid guard assembly 34 will preferably becomprised of rigid members extending along one side of the storage tank20. The skid guard assembly 34 is utilized for transport of the presentinvention. When being transported, the storage tank 20 may be placed ona trailer in a manner such that only the skid guard assembly 34 contactsthe floor of the trailer; thus preventing damage to the variouscomponents of the present invention. It is appreciated that the skidguard assembly 34 preferably includes an upper extension 35 whichextends over the upper end 21 of the storage tank 20 as shown in FIG. 1.

D. Fluidizers.

The present invention will preferably include a plurality of fluidizers46 positioned at various locations on the storage tank 20 and end cap 54to ease flow of particulate matter such as fly ash out of the outlet 50and distribution hose 56 and to prevent back-ups. Each of the fluidizers46 is fed by a fluidizer conduit 45. In a preferred embodiment, thefluidizers 46 are positioned at various locations on the inside of thehopper 22.

A motor 40 and blower 42 will preferably be provided for operating thefluidizers 46. Various types of motors 40 may be utilized, includingelectric, hydraulic, gas-powered, and other types of motors 40.Additionally, different blowers 42 may be utilized, includinggas-powered, electric and the like so long as compressed air may beefficiently distributed to the fluidizers 46.

The motor 40 and blower 41 will generally be secured to the presentinvention. In a preferred embodiment as shown in the figures, the motorand blower 41 will preferably be secured to the equipment mount 32 onthe present invention, which extends from the support frame 30. However,other mounting configurations may be utilized for the motor 40 andblower 42.

A blower pipe 42 will preferably extend from the blower 41 to afluidizer assembly 44, which distributes compressed air to each of theplurality of fluidizers 46 through a plurality of fluidizer conduits 45.As shown throughout the figures, the blower pipe 42 extends between theblower 41 and the fluidizer assembly 44 of the present invention.Preferably, the blower pipe 42 will run along and be secured to one ofthe support legs 31 of the support frame 30, such as shown in FIG. 2.

The fluidizer assembly 44 is generally comprised of a hub for thefluidizer conduits 45 through which compressed air is directed thereto.It is appreciated that, in some embodiments, the blower 42 may bedirectly connected to the fluidizers 46 and thus the fluidizer assembly44 may be omitted in such embodiments. Different types of fluidizerassemblies 44 may be utilized, such as manifolds and other multi-outletchambers with a single inlet.

It is appreciated that the number of fluidizers 46 utilized with thepresent invention may vary for different applications. Thus, thenumbering and orientation of the fluidizers 46 shown in the figuresshould not be construed as being limiting. Preferably, a plurality offluidizers 46 will be positioned around the hopper 24 and a plurality offluidizers 46 will be positioned within the end cap 54 of the outlet 50of the present invention.

E. Outlet.

The present invention will generally include a bi-directional outlet 50which is fluidly connected to the hopper 24. When the valve 25 of thepresent invention is opened, particulate matter will flow through thehopper 24 and into the outlet 50. In some embodiments, it is appreciatedthat the outlet 50 may be angularly disposed at the lower end of thehopper 24 as shown in the figures. In a preferred embodiment, the outlet50 will be disposed at an approximately 20 degree angle to encourageflow out of the outlet 50.

The outlet 50 of the present invention will preferably include a firstend 51 and a second end 52. A distribution hose 56 will preferably befluidly and removably connected to the first end 51 of the outlet 50.The particulate matter being distributed will flow through the outlet 50and distribution hose 56 before being expelled from the distributionhose 56 for use, such as into a bin 12.

The distribution hose 56 will vary for different applications; and thusthe size, orientation, gauge and the like of the distribution hose 56shown in the figures should not be construed as being limiting on thescope of the present invention. Preferably, a mount member 57 will befixedly secured to an outer end of the distribution hose 56. Theconnector 28, which is preferably comprised of a wire, rope or otherelongated support member, will be connected at one end to the winch 27and at the other end to the mount member 57. Thus, the positioning ofthe distribution hose 56 may be adjusted during use of the presentinvention.

The second end 52 of the outlet 50 will generally include an end cap 54positioned thereon. Preferably, a plurality of fluidizers 46 will beconnected to the end cap 54, such as by the fluidizer conduits 45, tofurther assist distribution of particulate matter through the outlet 50and distribution hose 56. In some embodiments, only one fluidizer 46will be utilized in the end cap 54. In other embodiments, the end cap 54fluidizers 46 may be omitted entirely. The lower end of the outlet 50may include a valve 59 to allow controlled release of materials throughthe bottom of the outlet 50 or to allow clearing for maintenance orremoval of blockages.

F. Operation of Preferred Embodiment.

In use, the present invention may be transferred to a work site on thetrailer of a vehicle by resting the present invention on its skid guardassembly 34 when positioning the present invention on the trailer. Aftertransferring the present invention to a work site, the present inventionmay be unloaded from the trailer and stood upright on its support frame30 for use.

Bulk fly ash may be distributed into the storage tank 20 of the presentinvention through its upper opening 23. Thus, instead of having a largenumber of individual bags of fly ash distributed to a work site, bulkfly ash may be delivered with a carrier vessel such as a tanker truckand then distributed in bulk into the storage tank 20 for future use.

When fly ash is needed, the winch 27 is first used to position thedistribution hose 56 in the proper orientation for distribution of flyash, such as into a bin 12 as shown in FIG. 1. The motor 40 and blower41 may then be powered on to activate the fluidizers 46. The valvecontrol 26 may be manipulated to pen the valve 25 for distribution offly ash through the distribution hose 56.

When completed, the valve 25 may be closed with the valve control 26 andthe fluidizers 46 deactivated by powering down the motor 40 and blower41. The distribution hose 56 may be raised into a non-use position usingthe winch 27.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described above. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control. The present invention may be embodied inother specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialattributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the presentembodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are forconvenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fly ash storage and distribution system, comprising: a storage tank for storing fly ash, wherein said storage tank includes an upper end and a lower end; an opening in said upper end of said storage tank; a hopper positioned at said lower end of said storage tank; a support frame attached to said storage tank; a fluidizer assembly for distributing compressed air; a first plurality of fluidizers positioned within said storage tank; and an outlet for distributing said fly ash, said outlet being oriented at a first angle; and a second plurality of fluidizers connected to said outlet, wherein a plurality of fluidizer conduits connect said fluidizer assembly with said first plurality of fluidizers and said second plurality of fluidizers.
 2. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said storage tank and hopper are integrally formed of a unitary structure.
 3. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a skid guard assembly attached to a first side of said storage tank.
 4. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 3, wherein said skid guard assembly includes an upper extension extending over said upper end of said storage tank.
 5. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a motor and a blower.
 6. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 6, wherein said blower is connected to each of said plurality of fluidizers.
 7. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 1, wherein said outlet is comprised of a bi-directional outlet having a first end and a second end.
 8. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 7, further comprising a distribution hose secured to said first end of said outlet.
 9. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 8, further comprising an end cap secured to said second end of said outlet.
 10. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 9, wherein at least one of said fluidizers is connected to said end cap.
 11. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 8, further comprising a winch secured to said storage tank.
 12. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 11, further comprising a mount member positioned on said distribution hose.
 13. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 12, wherein said mount member of said distribution hose is connected to said winch by a connector.
 14. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 7, wherein said outlet is angular disposed on said hopper.
 15. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 1, further comprising a valve positioned within said hopper.
 16. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 15, further comprising a valve control for operating said valve.
 17. A fly ash storage and distribution system, comprising: a storage tank for storing fly ash, wherein said storage tank includes an upper end and a lower end; an opening in said upper end of said storage tank; a hopper positioned at said lower end of said storage tank; a support frame attached to said storage tank; a skid guard assembly attached to a first side of said storage tank, wherein said skid guard assembly includes an upper extension extending over said upper end of said storage tank; a motor; a blower, wherein said blower is driven by said motor; a fluidizer assembly, wherein said fluidizer assembly is connected to said blower by a conduit; a plurality of fluidizers positioned within said storage tank, wherein each of said plurality of fluidizers are connected to said fluidizer assembly by a fluidizer conduit; and a bi-directional outlet for distributing said fly ash, wherein said outlet includes a first end and a second end.
 18. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 17, further comprising a distribution hose secured to said first end of said outlet.
 19. The fly ash storage and distribution system of claim 18, further comprising an end cap secured to said second end of said outlet, wherein at least one of said plurality of fluidizers is connected to said end cap.
 20. A fly ash storage and distribution system, comprising: a storage tank for storing fly ash, wherein said storage tank includes an upper end and a lower end; an opening in said upper end of said storage tank; a hopper positioned at said lower end of said storage tank; a support frame attached to said storage tank; a skid guard assembly attached to a first side of said storage tank, wherein said skid guard assembly includes an upper extension extending over said upper end of said storage tank; a motor; a blower, wherein said blower is driven by said motor; a fluidizer assembly, wherein said fluidizer assembly is connected to said blower by a conduit; a plurality of fluidizers positioned within said storage tank, wherein each of said plurality of fluidizers are connected to said fluidizer assembly by a fluidizer conduit; a bi-directional outlet for distributing said fly ash, wherein said outlet includes a first end and a second end; a distribution hose connected to said first end of said outlet; an end cap connected to said second end of said outlet, wherein at least one of said plurality of fluidizers is connected to said end cap; a valve positioned within said hopper; a valve control for operating said valve; and an equipment mount attached to said storage tank, wherein said motor and said blower are each positioned on said equipment mount. 